Water knowledge to flow at irrigation event

More than 100 agricultural producers, advisors and industry members are set to attend the annual Water for Profit state-wide event at Longford today.

The Water for Profit Program, funded by the Tasmanian Government, is focused on delivering activities that help farmers to get the most out of their irrigation systems.

The Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) leads three of the projects within the Program and TIA’s Irrigation Program Leader, Ms Sue Hinton, said the annual event aimed to provide practical and relevant information to producers.

“The Water for Profit Program is focused on finding solutions to help farmers increase their productivity and optimise their irrigated farming systems,” Ms Hinton said.

“As part of the Program, we have formed grower groups across the State and this ongoing engagement with the growers helped to inform the program for today’s event.

“This participatory approach is an essential part of the program, and ensures we are helping farmers get the right skills and information to maximise their investment in irrigation.

"One of the great advantages of the Program is that everyone gets a chance to contribute and participate. It is about them setting the agenda they want instead of us setting it for them and we've had a great response to that.”

At today’s event, participants will hear about the latest research from national experts on autonomous irrigation systems, how precision technology can help save farmer’s valuable time and money and best-practice tips for using drones in irrigation.

“Based on feedback from the grower groups, and from last year’s event, we have also introduced a practical, hands-on component to the program this year,” Ms Hinton said.

“This will feature concurrent sessions focusing on water and soil management, a drone demonstration, tech tools for farm management and a centre pivot workshop.”

TIA is a joint venture between the Tasmanian Government and the University of Tasmania.

Water for Profit is a collaborative program between the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE), the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA), and the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA).